The WCMA Board of Directors created its strategic plan for the next two years recently, and included expanded educational and communication programs, as well as playing key roles in wood industry promotions.
With a more active presence on social media platforms, and a recently launched blog, the WCMA is more accessible to its members, wood industry partners, and the public. We look forward to offering more news, added resources, and new insights as we move forward.
Collaborating with fellow trade associations is a priority for 2021. We continue to partner with the Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC) in developing strategies to promote wood industry careers. It is exciting to see the “You Wood” website launched recently, and the WCMA is proud to be a contributing member of this important initiative.
WCMA is also supporting the Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC), a voluntary, industry-wide domestic promotion initiative for American Hardwoods. In addition to offering financial support, I have had the pleasure to serve on the Executive Committee in developing plans and doing the work that helps reach our goals of increasing American Hardwood sales, improving industry stability, and raising awareness of the health and environmental benefits of Real American Hardwood. Our members know that reaching consumers in a meaningful way will have a positive impact on their bottom line!
2021 Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event
The WCMA is excited to be returning to a live event for the 2021 Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event. The event offers numerous networking opportunities and will give attendees an excellent opportunity to learn how industry professionals stay updated in areas such as woodworking machinery, equipment, tooling, supplies, software, and overall business solutions.
The event will be open to WCMA member companies and Tech Partners. Non-members are encouraged to attend to see what the WCMA is all about. We are sure that after participating in these excellent networking opportunities, you will be excited to join.
Conference details and registration will be announced soon, visit the WCMA website for more information. www.wcma.com
2021 Virtual Round Table Series
Having adapted to the use of virtual meeting platforms this past year, an initiative to expand WCMA’s education and member outreach programs has begun. Part of this expansion is the development of Virtual Round Table events. Discussion topics will include employee retention, recruitment and engagement, lean management, supply trends, and more.
These monthly, one-hour sessions will be open to all WCMA members and other interested parties. Registration and information will be available on the WCMA website. www.wcma.com
WCMA Membership – If you are NOT a member, you are missing out!
Below are several of the key benefits of being a member with the WCMA:
- Networking/Information Exchange – One of the main reasons that members join and stay with the WCMA is because of the access that it provides to a wide range of industry experts. Your colleagues are often your best source for in-depth insight and ideas. WCMA gives you the opportunity to connect with industry professionals across the United States and into Canada.
- Virtual and Live Events – The WCMA hosts events designed with our members in mind. As you can see by the outlines for 2021 above, these events offer members a great chance to improve your knowledge of your industry and to connect with your peers.
- Exclusive use of Real American Hardwood Coalition branding and marketing resources.
I would love an opportunity to discuss membership in more detail with you. Please email me directly at amy@wcma.com or call 651-332-6332. You can see more about membership and activities that the WCMA is working on at our website, www.wcma.com.
